Theory and simulation of supercontinuum generation in transparent bulk media

Comprehensive model and computer simulations of the supercontinuum generation in bulk media are presented. Using water and air as representative condensed and gaseous media, the standard model for white-light generation is put to test. It is shown that besides the intensity clamping and plasma-induced frequency blue shift, the linear chromatic dispersion plays an important role. It is the major factor that determines the achievable spectral extent of the supercontinuum.